With remote work becoming increasingly popular, many of us are spending more time at home than ever before. While working from home definitely has its perks, there’s one aspect of it that can be a real pain: the energy bill. When you’re home all day, every day, your electricity usage can quickly skyrocket, leaving you with a hefty bill at the end of the month. But fear not! There are plenty of ways to keep your energy bill low while working from home. Here are some tips:
Be mindful of your lighting
One of the easiest ways to save energy is to be mindful of your lighting usage. During the day, try to rely on natural light as much as possible. Open up your blinds or curtains and let the sunshine in! If you need additional light, consider using energy-efficient bulbs, such as LED lights. When you’re done working for the day, make sure to turn off all unnecessary lights to save even more energy.
Use power strips
Did you know that even when your electronics are turned off, they can still use electricity? It’s called “phantom power,” and it can really add up over time. One way to combat this is to use power strips. By plugging your devices into a power strip, you can easily turn them all off with the flip of a switch. This will not only save you energy, but it will also help protect your electronics from power surges.
Adjust your thermostat
If you’re home all day, you might be tempted to keep your thermostat at a comfortable temperature around the clock. However, this can lead to a big energy bill. Instead, consider adjusting your thermostat during the day. If you’re feeling chilly, put on a sweater or wrap up in a blanket. If you’re feeling warm, open a window or turn on a fan. By making small adjustments to your thermostat, you can save a lot of energy (and money!) over time.
Take advantage of power-saving features
Many electronics and appliances have power-saving features built in. For example, your computer might have a sleep mode that kicks in after a certain period of inactivity. Your TV might have an energy-saving mode that adjusts the brightness of the screen. Take advantage of these features! They can help you save a lot of energy without even thinking about it.
Unplug unused electronics
Finally, make sure to unplug any electronics or appliances that you’re not using. Even if they’re not turned on, they can still use electricity if they’re plugged in. So if you’re not using your toaster, unplug it. If you’re not using your phone charger, unplug it. It might seem like a hassle, but it’s an easy way to save energy (and money!) over time.
There are plenty of ways to keep your energy bill low while working from home. By being mindful of your lighting, using power strips, adjusting your thermostat, taking advantage of power-saving features, and unplugging unused electronics, you can save a lot of energy (and money!) over time. So next time you’re working from home, try out some of these tips and see how much you can save!
What are your work-from-home power saving tips? Share them with us in the comments. Remember to work smart and be a blessing to someone today. Stay safe and healthy!
Written by Jaie O. TheHelp